Sunderland
North EastE08000024Population 288,606239 mi to LondonDfT ref 1 Apr 2026
Sunderland requires no topographical knowledge, unlike 2 of its 3 bordering authorities.
Your path to a Sunderland badge
DfT survey · 1 Apr 2026- Driver licenceNot set
- DBS checkNot setThrough the council. Then stay on the DBS update service.
- Knowledge testNot set
- English assessmentNot setWritten only
- TrainingNot setDisability awareness and safeguarding, both required.
- Topographical knowledge: not required£0
To get licensedFees not yet published–
Walks you through Sunderland's process, keeps track of what you have done and tells you what the council wants next.
Your PHV licence application
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Work here
DfT survey · 1 Apr 2026Operators to drive for24
Market sizeLarge
1,233 licensed drivers. 62nd largest of 284.
Private hire fleet up 10% since 2013
480 in 2013, 529 today.
To drive for a Sunderland operator, you need a Sunderland licence. The journeys can be anywhere.
Cheapest fuel in Sunderland
Fuel Finder188.9p
159.9p
Or license next door
DfT survey · 1 Apr 2026| Requirement | Sunderland | County Durham | South Tyneside | Gateshead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topographical knowledge | Not required | Not required | Required | Required |
| English assessment | Written only | Oral and written | Not required | Written only |
| Disability training | Required | Required | Required | Not required |
| Operators | 24 | 181 | 17 | 46 |
| Market size | Large | Large | Medium | Medium |
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